Hydrogen trifluoromethoxyborate(1-), compound with methanol (1:1)

Short-term toxicity to fish

Administrative data

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

See attached justification

Cross-reference

Cross-reference 1

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reference

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: 2d:Test procedure in accordance with national standard methods with acceptable restriction.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

other: APHA, AWWA, WPCF (1989). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, l7th ed. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

other: ASTM (1989). Standard guide for conducting acute toxicity tests with ftshes; macroinvertebrates, and amphibians. In 1989 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 11.04, pp 378-397. Philadelphia, PA. [E-729-88a].

GLP compliance:

no

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Details on properties of test surrogate or analogue material (migrated information):
No test surrogate or analogue material was used.

Analytical monitoring:

no

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

Dilution water
Tests were conducted in a reconstituted water designed to Si; ate site-specific concentrations of major cations and an-ions, without trace elements, in the San Juan River near Shiprock, New Mexico.Reconstituted water was prepared by adding calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium carbonate, poatssium bicarbonate, and- sodium bicarbonate to deionized water in a polyethylene tank equipped with a recirculating pump to mix and aerate the water (Hamilton et al., 1989).
Test solutions
Test solutions were prepared by either pipetting appropriate aliquants of stock solutions or adding the compound directly to the test vessels. Stock solutions were formulated in deionized water on the day of use and were below the solubility limit of the test chemisals.

Test organisms (species):

other: Catostomus latipinnis

Details on test organisms:

Eggs of flannelmouth sucker were collected in May 1995 by personnel of the Colorado River Fishery Project (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Junction, CO). The eggs from about 20 females collected from the San Juan River near Shiprock, N Mexico, were fertilized in the field with milt from several males. Fertilized eggs were packed in commercial (polystyrene) egg-shipping containers and shipped ovemight to the Yankton Ecotoxicology Research Station (Yankton, SD) for testing.
After hatching, fry were held in 70-L aquaria in flowing water maintained at 22 ± 2°C. Fish were fed a commercial diet (Biodiet, Bioproducts Inc.), supplemented with live nauplii of brine shrimp (Artemia sp.).
Larvae were tested at 12-13 days posthatch (mean weight 20 mg; mean total length 16 mm) and 44 days posthatch (mean weight 146 mg; mean total length 27 mm).

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Post exposure observation period:

No post exposure observation period was observed in order to study the effect of boric acid.

Hardness:

The water quality for egg and larval culture was alkalinity 293-344 mg/L as CaCO3, hardness 780-1030 mg/L as CaCO3.

Test temperature:

Upon arrival at 16°C, eggs were acclimated to 19°C over a 2-h period and then placed in a 6.5-L hatching jar and further acclimated to 22 ± 2°C.

pH:

pH of the test solutions ranged from 6.7 to 8.9
pH was measured at the beginning and end of the tests in the control, low, medium, and high treatments with live fish present with an Ori Model SA250 pI-1 meter with a Ross combination electrode.

Dissolved oxygen:

Dissolved oxygen was measured at the beginning and end of the tests in the control, low, medium, and high treatments with live fish present. Dissolved oxygen was measured with a YSI Model 58 oxygen meter. Tests with 12- to 13-day-old larvae, dissolved oxygen concentrations were maintained at or greater than 72% saturation in tests.

Salinity:

Test was performed in freshwater.

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Nominal concentrations given here were expressed as the total inorganic toxicant added, based on the percentage of inorganic in the compound and the purity of the compound as given in the certificate of analysis for each compound.

Details on test conditions:

Static acute toxicity tests were conducted according to procedures described by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM, 1989). Each test consisted of exposing groups of 10 fish to a geometric series of six to eight nominal toxicant concentrations and a control treatment for 96 h. Tests were conducted in 3.8-L glass jars filled with 3 L of test solution. Temperature was maintained at 25 ± 1 °C by immersing the jars in temperature-controlled water boas. Fry were acclimated simultaneously to the dilution water and test temperature over a 2-day period and were held in dilution water for 2 days prior to testing. The fish were fed nauplii of brine shrimp during acclimation, but were not fed during testing.
At the start of each test, fish were randomly distributed to the test vessels within 30 min after the addition of the toxicant. To minimize handling stress, fry were first transferred to weigh boats, containing a small volume of dilution water, using a small dip screen. After 10 fish were placed in a beaker, most of the water was decanted and the fish were gently poured into the jars. Mortality was recorded, and all dead fish were removed at 24-h intervals. Total length and weight of the control fish were measured at the end of the tests. There was no mortality in the control treatments of the tests.

Reference substance (positive control):

no

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

125 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

element

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: 102-162

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Conclusions:

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of arsenate, boron, copper, molybdenum, selenate, selenite, uranium, vanadium, and zinc singly, and of five environmental inorganic mixtures to larval flannelmouth sucker in water simulating the San Juan River. The acute toxicity values were then compared with environmental concentrations of there inorganics found in various waters in the San Juan River to assess their potential hazard to flannelmouth sucker.The acute toxicity value for boron for flannelmouth sucker was estimated at 125 mgB/l.

Executive summary:

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of arsenate, boron, copper, molybdenum, selenate, selenite, uranium, vanadium, and zinc singly, and of five environmental inorganic mixtures to larval flannelmouth sucker in water simulating the San Juan River. The tests was performed according national standards:

- ASTM (1989). Standard guide for conducting acute toxicity tests with ftshes; macroinvertebrates, and amphibians.

- APHA, AWWA, WPCF (1989). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater

The acute toxicity values were then compared with environmental concentrations of there inorganics found in various waters in the San Juan River to assess their potential hazard to flannelmouth sucker.

The acute toxicity value for boron for flannelmouth sucker was estimated at 125 mgB/l and was on the lower end of the wide range reported in the literature.

Hamilton (1995) reported 96-h LC₅₀s for boron of 233 mg/L for razorback sucker and 279 mg/L for Colorado squawfish, both tested in reconstituted Green River water. Others have reported LC₅₀values for boron within this range that encompass those in the present study (Tumbullet al.,1954; Tayloret al.,1985; Hamilton and Buhl, 1990). The wide range of values reported may be due in part to the different boron compounds and fish species tested and to the dilution water used.

Cross-reference 2

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reference

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: 2d: Test procedure in accordance with nationalstandard methods with acceptable restrictions.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: A.P.H.A. (American Public Health Association), 1975. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Am. Public. Health Assoc., Washington, D.C., 14th ed., 1193 pp.

GLP compliance:

no

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

Water samples taken at the beginning and end of each test were analyzed for toxicant concentration.

Details on test solutions:

Reconstituted soft water of the following quality was used: 40-48 mg/L hardness as CaCO3, 30-35mg/L alkalinity as CaCO3, 120-160 µS/cm conductivity, and pH 7.2-7.9. The minnows were acclimated to the test dilution water quality and temperature over the first two days of a four-day acclimation period. Solution withdrawal and renewal twice daily from acclimation tanks accomplished the water quality transition; temperatures were gradually lowered to 22 ±1 °C with the aid of a temperature bath circulator.

Test organisms (species):

Pimephales promelas

Details on test organisms:

The minnows were raised from controlled breeding stocks at the E.P.A. Newtown Fish Toxicology Station, Cincinnati, Ohio; the grass shrimp were collected from wild populations in an estuary near Galveston Bay, Texas. Fish were observed for a minimum of 14 days before they were used for definitive testing. This observation period assured the use of healthy populations for LC50 determination. The fish were held for the last two days of acclimation in 100% test dilution water at 22 °C. If more than 3% mortality occurred during this period, the organisms were not used for definitive testing.

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Hardness:

40 - 48 mg/L as CaCO3

Test temperature:

22 ±1 °C

pH:

pH 7.2-7.9

Details on test conditions:

Bioassay containers were filled with 121 of dilution water to a depth of 24 cm. The containers were then placed in a large circulating temperature bath for cooling to 22 ±1 °C. When the bioassay dilution waters had temperature equilibrated, toxicants were added either directly or in the form of a stock solution in deionized water. The solutions were briefly stirred with a glass rod, and a water sample was removed for quantitative toxicant determination. Five organisms were then placed in each of two duplicate aquaria, for a total of ten organisms tested per concentration. For each chemical, at least five concentrations were tested in a 0.6 geometric series. At least two control aquaria, containing a total of ten organisms, were run with each test series. Control mortality was less than 10% in every case.
During the 96-hr test period, deaths were recorded and bodies removed whenever noticed. After each 24-hr period, the number of organisms surviving, dissolved oxygen, and temperature were determined in each aquarium. It was of particular interest to monitor dissolved oxygen throughout the test period, since many toxicants exerted severe biochemical oxygen demands. At the end of the test period, pH was measured and another water sample was withdrawn for toxicant analysis. The control organisms were then weighed and measured to determine the average size of the test organisms.

Reference substance (positive control):

no

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

NOEC

Effect conc.:

>= 600 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Details on results:

No mortality below 600 mg/L

Executive summary:

Static 96-hr. toxicity tests were conducted with 40 such chemicals to provide basic toxicity data for regulatory decision making. Thirty-two of the 40 chemicals tested were hazardous to aquatic life as determined by 96-hr. LC₅₀'s less than or equal to 500 mg/1. All 40 chemicals were tested with the fresh-water fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. With regards to Amonnium tetrafluoroborate no mortality was observed below 600 mg/L.

Cross-reference 3

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reference

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Study period:

Nov 23 - Nov 27, 1987

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP guideline study without analytical monitoring

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: DIN 38412 L15; 1982

GLP compliance:

no

Analytical monitoring:

no

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF TEST SOLUTION (especially for difficult test substances)
- Method: The product was added to the test water without any pretreatment; subsequently the fish were placed into the aquaria.

Test organisms (species):

Leuciscus idus

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Common name: Golden orfe (Leuciscus idus)
- Source: Fischzucht Paul Eggers, 2354 Hohenweststedt, Germany
- Length at study initiation (mean): 5.3 cm (range 4.7 - 5.7 cm)
- Weight at study initiation (mean): 3.7 g (range 2.1 - 4.9 g)
- Feeding during test: Withdrawal of food 1 day before and during exposure

ACCLIMATION
- Acclimation period: 8 weeks
- Mortality during acclimation: 0 %

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Hardness:

2.5 mmol/L

Test temperature:

21 °C

pH:

3.7 - 8.1

Dissolved oxygen:

6.7 - 8.8 mg/L

Salinity:

294.0 mg/L CaCl2 * 2 H2O
123.3 mg/L MgSO4 * 7 H2O
63.0 mg/L NaHCO3
5.5 mg/L KCl

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Nominal: control, 10, 21.5 46.4 and 100 mg/L

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel:
- Type: open
- Material, size, headspace, fill volume: All glass aquaria (30 x 22 x 24 cm), Volume of water: 10 L
- Aeration: Continuous aeration with oil-free air, slight OR No aeration
- No. of organisms per vessel: 10
- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): 1
- No. of vessels per control (replicates): 1
- Biomass loading rate: 3.7 g fish/L test water

TEST MEDIUM / WATER PARAMETERS
- Source/preparation of dilution water: reconstituted freshwater according to DIN 38412, Part II, 1982
- Alkalinity: pH about 8.0
- Ca/mg ratio: 4 : 1
- Measurements: pH and oxygen content after 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h


OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
- Photoperiod: 16 : 8 hours day-night regime

EFFECT PARAMETERS MEASURED: Observations: mortality and symptoms after 0, 4, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC100

Effect conc.:

46.4 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: not neutralized

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

31.6 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: geometric mean; not neutralized

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC0

Effect conc.:

21.5 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: not neutralized

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

> 100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: neutralized

Sublethal observations / clinical signs:

All results refer to nominal test concentrations of Boron-trifluoride-dihydrate. No analytical dose-verification of the test item was carried out.
During the 96 h exposure to Boron-trifluoride-dihydrate, mortalities were as follows:

Nominal test Cumulative mortalitiy (%) after x hours
concentration 1 / 4 / 24 / 48 / 72 / 96
(mg/l)
Control 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0
10 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0
21.5 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0
46.4 1 / 10 / 10 / 10 / 10 / 10
100 10 / 10 / 10 / 10 / 10 / 10
100 [1] 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0

[1] Test solution after pH-adjustment

All biological effects were caused by the pH-shift, since no toxicity was observed in the neutralised sample.

Behavior of the test item during the test:
No remarkable observations.

Cross-reference 4

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reference

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

study well documented, meets generally accepted scientific principles, acceptable for assessment

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: EPA-660/3-75-009, 1975

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Test procedures followed the basic flow-through test method described by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-660/3-75-009, 1975)

GLP compliance:

not specified

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

Water for all tests was untreated and obtained directly from Lake Superior and heated to mean test temperature.

Test organisms (species):

Lepomis macrochirus

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Common name: bluegill
- Source: Lake Mills Fish Hatchery, Lake Mills, WI, USA
- Weight at study initiation (mean and range, SD): Average weights of exposed fish were obtained by weighing control fish from each test. Average weight of bluegills was 3.07 ± 1.38 g

- Feeding during test: Fish were not fed 24 h before or during a test

- holding before 24 h before test: at respective test temperature and fed a commercial formulation of dry food.

Test type:

flow-through

Water media type:

freshwater

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Hardness:

46.6 mg/L CaCO3 (40.4 - 56.3)

Test temperature:

19.8 ± 2.3 °C

pH:

7.04 - 7.97

Dissolved oxygen:

78.8 % (54.3 - 88.9)

Nominal and measured concentrations:

five test concentrations and a control

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel:
- Material, size, headspace, fill volume: 530-L fiberglass holding tanks
- Type of flow-through (e.g. peristaltic or proportional diluter): The exposure system for fish consisted of several modified proportional diluters with dilution factors ranging from 0.6 to 0.8. Each diluter cycle delivered 1.0 L of water and toxicant, where appropriate, to each of five test concentrations and a control. Each test concentration and control was duplicated by dividing the original volume equally using flow-splitting tanks. The glass exposure tanks contained 6.3 L water. Diluters were cycled at a rate to yield 5 to 8 tank volumes/day.

- No. of organisms per vessel: 10

TEST MEDIUM / WATER PARAMETERS
- Alkalinity: 41.7 mg/L CaCO3 (30.0 - 46.0)
- Mean dissolved oxygen: 78.8 % (54.3 - 88.9)

Reference substance (positive control):

no

Key result

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

15 400 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: 95% CL: 13500-17600

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

12 700 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: 95% CL: 11800-13700

Materials and methods

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Hydrogen trifluoromethoxyborate(1-), compound with methanol (1:1)

EC Number:

220-543-9

EC Name:

Hydrogen trifluoromethoxyborate(1-), compound with methanol (1:1)

Cas Number:

2802-68-8

Molecular formula:

CH4O.CH3BF3O.H

IUPAC Name:

hydrogen trifluoro(methanolato)borate(1-) methanol (1:1)

Details on test material:

Name of the test substance used in the study report: Borfluorid-Methanol

Results and discussion

Effect concentrations

Key result

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

> 100 mg/L

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

Result derived from source substances